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Farm Programs & Local Resources
Last Updated: March 2026 | Always verify with your local USDA office. Report an error
About Bollinger County
Bollinger County is part of the Ozark Highland land resource region (MLRA 116A). The county's mean elevation is about 448 feet.
Based on 1991–2020 normals, Bollinger County sees 49.0 in of rain, a 275-day growing season, a 56.7°F mean annual temperature.
Bollinger County carries 13,767 head of cattle (2022 Ag Census). Pastureland totals 37,566 acres. 698 farms operate in the county, averaging 240 acres each.
Quick Facts
| Region | Southeast Missouri |
| Top Commodities | Cattle & calves, Soybeans, Corn, Floriculture, Sheep, Horses |
Current Conditions
Drought status: None (None).
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor · Updated 2026-09-08
Your Local USDA Offices
Your nearest USDA Service Center houses both NRCS (conservation programs like EQIP and CSP) and FSA (loans, disaster assistance, farm numbers). Here are the offices serving Bollinger County.
USDA Service Center (NRCS + FSA)
404 E Main St, Marble Hill, MO 63764
Office info is from USDA’s published directory. Call ahead to confirm hours before visiting.
What to do when you call: Ask to schedule a meeting with a conservation planner (for EQIP/CSP) or a loan officer (for FSA programs). Mention the type of operation you run and what improvements you're considering.
Forage and Grazing in Bollinger County
Satellite vegetation data (2021–2025 average) shows forage in Bollinger County greening up around May and peaking in August. The county carries about 37,566 acres of pastureland. Your county’s official normal grazing period is set by FSA and can differ from the satellite curve — confirm it with your local office, since it determines which drought weeks count toward LFP.
Farm Structure in Bollinger County
The 2022 Census of Agriculture puts Bollinger County at an average farm size of 240 acres, 11% small operations, 21% of producers aged 65 or older, and about 2,191 acres irrigated. Those numbers shape which programs fit — your FSA and NRCS staff can tell you which ranking pool your operation falls into.
What Tends to Fit in Bollinger County
With cattle and corn in the mix in Bollinger County, the practices worth raising with NRCS are prescribed grazing, livestock water development, and cross-fencing (grazing operations); cover crops, residue management, and ARC/PLC election (row-crop ground); and brush management (rangeland). Ask which ranking pool your operation fits and what scored well locally last cycle — that conversation is usually more useful than guessing from the practice list.
Programs for Bollinger County Operations
Based on Bollinger County's agricultural profile, these programs are most relevant:
Conservation programs target erosion control on steep slopes and stream buffer establishment. Cost-share assistance supports pond construction and fence installation for improved grazing management.
Not sure which programs fit? Run our free eligibility screener. Two minutes, personalized action packet.
Local Conservation Priorities
Each county's NRCS Local Working Group sets the conservation practices that score highest for EQIP funding. Knowing your county's priorities before you apply can significantly improve your ranking.
How to find your county's priorities:
- Call your local NRCS office and ask: "What practices is the Local Working Group prioritizing this year?"
- Ask which EQIP ranking pool your operation fits (there may be separate pools for livestock, cropland, forestry, etc.)
- Check your state NRCS website for published ranking criteria
Nearby Counties
Operators in Bollinger County frequently work or lease ground across county lines. Neighboring counties include Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, Madison County, Missouri, Perry County, Missouri, Stoddard County, Missouri, and Wayne County, Missouri. USDA programs and local NRCS priorities may differ from one jurisdiction to the next.
Your Next Steps in Bollinger County
- Run the eligibility screener: Free Screener
- Find your USDA Service Center: Service Center Locator
- Read the Missouri guide: Missouri Farm Programs Guide
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